The right to health includes not just a person’s right to receive the best possible quality health care, but also the right to be properly educated and informed about health-related matters.
The World Health Organisation defines health education as:
“consciously constructed opportunities for learning involving some form of communication designed to improve health literacy, including improving knowledge, and developing life skills, which are conducive to individual and community health.”
Education is essential for a person to learn about one’s health and fully enjoy the right to health. A person who is properly informed may be able to prevent a disease or identify the symptoms and contact a doctor sooner.
example Sexual education may help to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
example Gaining the knowledge to manage and lower your alcohol intake can significantly pave the way towards a more vibrant and healthier life.
The Estonian National Institute for Health Development serves as a governmental research and development body focused on amassing and providing reliable health data for the Estonian population from various sources. It's committed to creating, disseminating health-related knowledge, shaping health behaviors, and addressing health determinants to improve Estonia's public wellbeing and lifespan. The Institute engages in public health research, health promotion, and the creation and implementation of disease prevention programs.
The Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs has launched a platform peaasi.ee that promotes mental health, prevents problems and provides early intervention.
Read more about the right to education in this Guide.